Once-moveable items that have been attached to real property are referred to as fixtures. Fixtures are personal property items that have been permanently affixed to a structure or real estate, thereby becoming part of the property itself. This can include items such as light fixtures, built-in cabinets, and plumbing installations. The key aspect of fixtures is that, although they were once movable, their installation has made them an integral part of the property.
Understanding this concept is important in real estate because it can affect transactions, property assessments, and legal ownership rights. For example, when a property is sold, fixtures generally remain with the property unless explicitly stated otherwise in the sale agreement. This distinction helps determine what is included in property transactions and clarifies ownership rights with respect to items that may have value or importance to the buyer.